A sharp dispute has erupted between former Pakistan spin icons Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq over all-rounder Shadab Khan’s continued selection in the national setup.
Appearing on a digital sports program, Tauseef launched a scathing attack on Saqlain, alleging that the former head coach is blinded by nepotism toward his son-in-law, Shadab Khan. Tauseef claimed there should be limits to such favoritism, stating that Saqlain had personally phoned him and used intermediaries to lobby for Shadab, adding that he possesses audio recordings to verify his claims. He also voiced strong frustration over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts, arguing that unfit or underperforming players easily secure deals while Test captain Shan Masood is relegated to Category C or D, leaving deserving domestic performers like spinner Sufiyan Muqeem unjustly sidelined.
In response, Saqlain Mushtaq took to social media to firmly reject the allegations, daring Tauseef to release the purported audio recordings to the public. Saqlain maintained that his past contact with Tauseef was driven solely by professional courtesy and respect for a senior cricketer. Warning Tauseef against misrepresenting facts and spreading falsehoods, Saqlain asserted that he too maintains complete documentation of their interactions and will gladly present his side of the record so the public can judge the truth.
